A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop
CAD
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing CAD. Some risk factors can't be changed, but many can. Talk to your doctor about how you can reduce the number of risk factors you have.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors may increase your risk of
atherosclerosis
, which can lead to CAD. These include:

Physical inactivity—Contributes to an increase in weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other heart-related risk factors.

Chronic stress—Contributes to high blood pressure,
depression
, and may contribute to making poor decisions that affect your health, such as smoking.

Depression
—It is not known how depression and CAD are linked, but depression does affect overall mental and physical well being. Fatigue or disinterest can lead you to make poor decisions about your health, such as ignoring treatment plans that reduce your risk of CAD.

Genetic Factors

Genetics are believed to play a role in risk factors that lead to CAD. A family history of CAD or heart disease can increase your risk of CAD. The risk increases when combined with other unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Gender

Men tend to develop atherosclerosis earlier than women. However, a woman’s risk increases to that of men with the onset of
menopause
.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.

Certain Blood Test Results

Recent research has found that higher levels of homocysteine and C-reactive proteins in the blood may increase the risk of developing CAD. However, it is not clear the exact relationship and what levels are desirable.

Talk to your doctor to see if these blood tests will benefit you.
They may be done if you are considered to be a high-risk candidate for CAD.

Advancing Age

Your risk of CAD increases as you get older. Men older than 45 and women older than 55 (younger in cases of premature menopause) are at greater risk of heart disease.

Race and Ethnic Factors

African Americans have a higher incidence of hypertension than Caucasians and, therefore, a higher risk of developing CAD. Heart disease risk is also higher among Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Who is at risk for coronary heart disease?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/atrisk.html.
Updated August 23, 2012. Accessed January 27, 2014.